Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Luis Obispo County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in taxes budget
County Financial Forecast FY 2027-28
The county wants to raise overall fee revenue about 6%, with 49% of fees increasing and 23 new fees added. Supervisors questioned the ~10% technology fee tacked onto permits; the hearing is November 17.
FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget introduced
The county's proposed $1.2 billion budget (with an $830 million general fund) is out for public review, with hearings June 8-10. Property tax revenue grows 3.8%, but the county warns next year will be tighter due to federal and state uncertainty.
Diablo Canyon Mitigation and Revenue
Public speakers and Supervisors pressed on securing long-term, inflation-adjusted compensation for hosting Diablo Canyon — the proposed $20 million host community mitigation fund was blasted as too low and lacking enforcement. The Board noted SLO Coastal Unified wants ~$10 million annually restored.
Solid waste rate increases
Trash bills go up 3.3% in the north county and 3.5% on the coast and south county starting January 1, 2027, per CPI formulas.
Election costs and voting equipment
The Clerk-Recorder will use $150,000 in one-time state election funding to buy and outfit a 'vote mobile' for voter outreach, ballot collection, and pop-up clerk services — though some supervisors questioned whether a vehicle was the best use.
Medi-Cal Coverage Change Outreach
Supervisor Ortiz-Legg reported CenCal Health is planning November public outreach events to warn residents their Medi-Cal coverage may change.
FY 2026-27 Final Budget and Storm Preparedness
The county adopted its final budget and steered a surprise $9 million into El Niño storm response ($3.7M) and internal loans ($4.7M). Supervisors warned the 2023 storms cost $70 million with only ~70% FEMA reimbursement, and slowing property tax growth (about 4%) means tougher budgets ahead.
FY 2026-27 County budget adoption
The Board adopted the county's annual budget, setting funding for every department and special district, plus the position allocation list. Supervisor Ortiz-Legg noted she'll keep pushing for more deputy DA positions.
Dissolution of Citizen's Homeless Accountability Commission
The Citizen's Homeless Accountability Commission asked to be dissolved, and the Board approved it. Public oversight of homelessness programs will now take another form.
Withdrawal of retail transaction and use tax measure from November ballot
The county has pulled its proposed sales tax ordinance from the November 2026 ballot, so voters won't get a say on it this fall. Any future attempt to fund county services through this tax would need to go back on a future ballot.
Commercial cannabis business tax rate
The county cut its cannabis tax compliance fee from $4,324 to $2,234 per license and will refund operators who overpaid since January. This lowers costs for legal cannabis businesses countywide.
Paso Robles JPA Tax Billing Dispute
A resident alleged a Paso Robles-area JPA submitted a $1.1 million budget to bill about 950 parcels despite its formation agreement terminating it on June 30, 2026 for lack of fees; the billing is slated for a September 1 Board meeting.
Oceano Airport spending controversy
Oceano residents April Dury and Julie Tacker accused the Airports Department of wasting roughly $166,500 on a three-hour 'Cleared for Cheer' holiday party instead of the community engagement plan promised, and demanded a full investigation including possible misuse of public funds.
County Medical Services Program membership
The Board is exploring whether joining the County Medical Services Program makes sense for delivering indigent health care — the Chair signed a Letter of Interest to start that conversation.
Trust and Special Accounts Transparency
The county holds about $380 million in 789 trust and special accounts, most legally restricted. Cleanup actions and an annual transparency push will surface them in the budget book.
HR 1 Impacts and County Medical Services Program
Federal cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could destabilize funding for county health and safety-net programs. Residents who rely on these services could feel the squeeze.
Social Services performance review
Consultants found the department strong in many areas but recommended 24 changes — better financial tracking, co-located and mobile services, and a performance framework. The implementation plan contains no staffing cuts, and the Board wants a progress report.